89 Million Steam Accounts Compromised in Data Leak – Protect Yourself Today

May 15, 20250

Minute Read

Valve’s Steam platform, home to millions of gamers worldwide, has allegedly suffered one of the largest data breaches in its history, potentially compromising 89 million user accounts.

While Valve has yet to officially confirm the breach, cybersecurity firm Underdark claims that user data—including one-time passwords and phone numbers-has surfaced for sale on the dark web. If you’re a Steam user, changing your password immediately is the first and most critical step to secure your account, but it shouldn’t be your last.

This article explains everything you need to know about the incident and outlines practical steps to protect your Steam account and personal data.

🚨 What We Know So Far About the Steam Breach

Reported by: via LinkedIn
Data involved: Phone numbers, one-time passwords (OTPs), possibly login credentials
Scope: Allegedly affects 89 million accounts
Selling price: $5,000 on dark web auction
Valve’s response: No official comment at the time of writing
Steam’s user base: Over 30 million concurrent users online daily

If this breach is confirmed, it would place Steam among the largest gaming-related security incidents in recent years—surpassing the scale of breaches seen in other platforms like Epic Games or EA.

🛡️ What Data May Be at Risk?

Although the full extent of the breach is still unclear, Underdark alleges that the leaked data includes:

Registered email addresses
Phone numbers linked to accounts
One-time passwords (OTP) used in 2FA
Possibly hashed or plaintext passwords

This kind of information could allow hackers to bypass login verification, impersonate users, or execute targeted phishing scams disguised as Steam offers or game rewards.

🔐 How to Secure Your Steam Account Right Now

1. Change Your Password Immediately

Even if you haven’t noticed any suspicious activity, change your password now. Choose a strong, unique password you haven’t used on any other platform.

💡 Tip: Use a passphrase or mix unrelated words and numbers (e.g., CloudPencil7!OceanRun).

2. Enable Steam Guard (2FA)

Steam’s built-in two-factor authentication system, Steam Guard, provides an additional layer of protection. While Steam doesn’t currently support physical security keys (like YubiKeys), Steam Guard via email or mobile is your best option.

On Desktop: Go to Steam > Settings > Account > Manage Steam Guard
On Mobile: Use the Steam app for mobile authenticator codes

3. Use a Password Manager

Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass can help you generate and store complex passwords. This also reduces the chance of reusing old or weak passwords across platforms.

4. Check for Suspicious Activity

Look for login alerts or unknown devices in your account history.
Review your recent purchase history for unauthorized charges.
If you receive OTP texts you didn’t request, it’s a red flag—reset your password again.

5. Beware of Phishing Emails or In-App Messages

Scammers may send fake messages claiming to be from Steam or game publishers. Look out for:

“Free game” offers
“Urgent security updates”
Messages asking for your Steam credentials

🚫 Never click on unknown links or download files from unfamiliar sources.

🔄 What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Compromised

If you believe your account may have been accessed or listed in the breach, take the following steps:

Change your email password (linked to your Steam account)
Remove payment methods temporarily until your account is secured
Contact Steam Support and request a full account activity report
Consider using a service like HaveIBeenPwned.com to check if your email is part of a breach

🎯 Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant, Stay Secure

With over 89 million accounts potentially compromised, this breach serves as a wake-up call-not just for Steam users but for anyone using online platforms with personal or financial data.

Cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, but staying safe doesn’t have to be difficult. By practicing good digital hygiene-like changing passwords regularly, enabling 2FA, and being cautious with links-you can keep your data and digital assets secure.